Kenya’s Defence CS Claims Not To Have Advisors As Austerity Cuts Continue
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that he does not have any advisors to recommend to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for retention in accordance with President William Ruto’s austerity measures to reflect the current state of the economy.
In a circular sent to all CSs by Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary was reduced from two to one.
Consequently, all CSs were required to submit the name of the advisor to be retained by Thursday, July 11.
In response, Duale revealed that his ministry did not have advisors because all officials had the necessary training to provide strategic advice to his office.
I have no advisers to submit as the men and women at the helm of Defense headquaters leadership have the required Training , knowledge and experiance to give me strategic advice and guidance to steer the Ministry . pic.twitter.com/laUaPDX45J
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) July 10, 2024
“I have no advisers to submit as the men and women at the helm of Defense headquarters leadership have the required training, knowledge and experience to give me strategic advice and guidance to steer the Ministry,” he said.
His remarks sparked an online debate, with Kenyans questioning whether the Head of Public Service had the necessary information on President Ruto’s cabinet staffing.
Others questioned why the CS would disclose confidential information to the public. This is after the CS shared the letter, which was marked as confidential.
Koskei had instructed the CSs to fire one advisor while keeping the other as part of the austerity measures to improve fiscal discipline in the public service.
“Consequently, you are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in discharge of your portfolio mandate. Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service,” read part of the letter.
“Accordingly, and by way of this circular letter, you are directed to submit to the Public Service Commission the full name of the advisor to be retained, with a copy to this Office by the close of business on Thursday, July 11, 2024.”
Other austerity measures included dissolving at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, suspending the hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries, and eliminating budgets in the First and Second Lady’s offices.
The move reduced the government’s renovation budget by 50% and suspended the purchase of new vehicles for a year, with the exception of security agencies.
Kenya’s Defence CS Claims Not To Have Advisors As Austerity Cuts Continue
